Manumission

Do you want to read more about the worlds of kink, leather and SM? 

Manumission is a new zine, with a free preview issue launching in September. Each issue will bring you a selection of essays, plus articles looking at the world of kink. It's a printed zine, A6 size, and we're aiming to bring you 32 pages per issue.

There's plenty of talk about these topics - but all too often it's chopped up into small chunks for social media, or a hot take designed to elicit instant reactions. 

We think there's a need for something different. A slower, more considered read, where people can flesh out ideas. And if the preview issue gets a good reception, we aim to bring you a new one every three months.

Who's behind this?

Manumission is edited by Nigel Whitfield, former Director of BLUF, and a former journalist and editor. The associate editor is Kell Farshea, a long time queer activist and founder of the Countdown on Spanner campaign. It's published by SubDirectory Ltd.

What you'll find inside

Each issue will feature a selection of essays, which may include politics, media, theory and practice. We'll aim to include a broad range of writers, across genders and sexualities. If you're kinky, and have something to say, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Alongside the essays, you'll find some recurring strands in each issue:

Spiritual Homes

A focus on a venue or club that was an important part of the scene, but is no longer with us - like The Backstreet in London, Mineshaft in New York or Argos in Amsterdam.

Sacred texts

A review of one of the key texts in the worlds of leather and SM, reassessing it for the 21st century.

From the archives

We aim to feature some of the best or most important writing from previous publications, and highlight the work of archives in preserving the stories of our community.

Focus

A look at a club or venue that plays an important part in the scene today. What is it, where is it, how do you access it, and why it's special.

Need to know

A profile of a significant person in the world of kink, leather or SM. From early practitioners, to gear makers, and more, we'll spotlight the stories and contributions of people who helped make our culture.

Would you like to know more?

Find out more about the free preview edition, reserve a copy for £3.50, or join our mailing list to receive more details when the zine is out.